The government of Kaduna State has confirmed the successful rescue of 137 not 287 students from Kuriga primary and secondary school in Chikun Local Government Area, without any ransom payment.
The announcement was made by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a press conference at the State House.
Idris stated, “In line with the President’s commitment, the children have been safely recovered without any ransom.” The students, who were kidnapped on March 7, were released on March 24, thanks to the combined efforts of the military and local security agencies in Zamfara State, where the kidnappers had held them captive.
Idris further added that the President has instructed security agencies to ensure the cessation of kidnappings and to bring all culprits to justice. He also praised the National Security Adviser and the service chiefs for their instrumental role in the successful rescue operation.
However, a report by SBM Intelligence, a security consulting firm, reveals that Kaduna State has the highest number of recorded kidnappings, with 132 cases from 2019 to March 15, 2024. During this period, approximately 3,969 residents were kidnapped by non-government actors, making Kaduna one of the most unstable regions in North West Nigeria.
